Chandler Multicultural Festival

Each January, Chandler sponsors the Multicultural Festival, in association with the Celebration of Unity,  to highlight the cultural diversity of our community through music, dance, art, storytelling and more.

Saturday, January 19, 2013
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Library Plaza
FREE ADMISSION

Chandler’s 18th Annual Multicultural Festival highlighted the cultural diversity of our community through music, dance, art, storytelling and more.  Everyone can enjoy great food from different cultures, information on our sponsors and organizations that promote cultural diversity, along with arts & crafts that represent various cultures.
   
The Chandler Multicultural Festival is presented by the City's Diversity Office with the support of the Friends of the Chandler Public Library. 

Click here for a flyer and map of this year's event!

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Intel:

Performers at this year's Festival include:

CELEBRATION STAGE

Time                                    Performer
 

12pm-12:30pm                 Kriti Dance

• Bollywood dance is from India and has a unique characteristic in the fact that it requires coordination of shoulders, waist, hips, and feet movements. It’s fun to watch participants break into giggles of laughter once they discover how many parts of the anatomy they have to shake at once. Kriti Dance is a leading Bollywood dance academy.  It is based in Chandler and performs at various national and local events. Kriti Dance offers Bollywood dance classes in Chandler for all age levels. Open to all and join the fun!

12:40-12:55pm                  Creative Expression Competition

1:00-1:45pm                       Yellowhouse Dancers

• LaDawn Yazzie of the Navajo people is of the One Who Walks Around clan born for the Big Water clan. She shares the women’s jingle dress dance.  In her spare time she plays with her children, Tyrese and Kailayne. Three-time youth hoop dance champion, Tyrese, 14 years old, won his first teen division world championship this past February at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ.  Tyrese is Navajo/Maricopa, of Dilcon, Arizona.  He has been featured in various magazines and the “World of Wonders” Kids TV show from Canada. Kailayne is 5 years old and like her mother she is of the One who walks around clan. Kailayne is a jingle dress dancer, a fancy shawl dancer, and a hoop dancer. 

1:55-2:35pm                       Ho'okahi I Ka Hula & Na Leo Kupono

• Teaches traditional Hawaiian Hula in Arizona. There are two types of hula: Auana and Kahiko. Hula auana is the more graceful, entertaining type. There is music, singing, guitars, ukuleles and colorful costumes to enhance the dance. Hula kahiko is the old style which was used for rituals and ceremonies. This has changed over time and the dance is now used for entertainment as well. It includes percussion, ipu gourds, chanting and traditional costumes. 

2:45-3:05pm                       Chandler Community Celebration Choir

3:15-3:55pm                       Si Se Puede Ballet Folklorico

• The award winning Ballet Folklorico Dance Troupe is Si Se Puede's most popular and highly sought out dance program. Formed in 1998, the children and adults who make up the groups express their Mexican culture through music, dance and song. Folklorico dances performed include dances from the states of: Jalisco, Hidalgo, Vera Cruz, Sinaloa, Chiapas, Michoacan and Nuevo Leon. The performers create their interpretations through technical formation, bibliographical study, and ritual observation.

UNITY STAGE

Time                                     Performer

11am-12pm                       USA Naturalization Ceremony (see description below)

12:10-12:25pm                  Mayor's Welcome

12:40-1:20pm                    The Maschino School of Highland Dance

• The Maschino School of Highland Dance is under the direction of instructor Kari Maschino.  Lessons are offered for age 2 and a half and up in the East and West Valley. Highland dancing is a great form of exercise and can be traced back to the 13^th century. It builds stamina, muscle strength, and self-confidence.  In competition, dancers are judged individually on technique and step execution, as well as timing and poise.

1:30-1:50pm                      Arizona Turkish Folk Dancers

• The Arizona Turkish Folk Dancers have been practicing Turkish folk dance with traditional Turkish music since 2009. Anyone who is interested in folk dance is invited to join the group, which is comprised of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions. This year, the group is performing the dances of the Bitlis, Trakya, Zeybek and Teke regions from Turkey.  This folk dance group practices Turkish folk dance with traditional Turkish music and authentic costumes from Turkey.  

2:10-3:00pm                      The Hollands

• "The Hollands! are seasoned concert performers, engaging audiences with their intimate merrymaking. They are a full-time internationally touring family based in the US via Australia with a knack for engaging audiences and rousing a sing-a long. They are 21st century nomadic travelers and frolic in the organic folk revival scene. 
   
  The Hollands are a family band consisting of Jana, Craig Graciana and Banjo.  By the end of their performance, audiences will feel like they are part of the band. This is the experience and magic that happens when The Hollands! come to town.  

3:15-3:55pm                      Cool Hands
 

Additional events include:

USA Naturalization Ceremony
Returning this year will be a special Naturalization Ceremony conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 200 people from different countries around the world will become American Citizens during a ceremony that begins at 11:00 am on the Unity Stage.
 
The Unity events honor Dr. Martin Luther King who worked tirelessly to ensure equality of opportunity and to make the American Dream a reality.  These new citizens will now have the opportunity not only to benefit from being an American but also to play a role in shaping and enriching our nation.
 
Lisa’s Creatures 
Features live animals from all over the world. The animals are the private collection of Lisa Limbert, Educational Coordinator for East Valley Wildlife, a network of wildlife rehabilitators who care for injured and orphaned wild animals.
  
Zumba
Have you ever wanted to Zumba?  Zumba, the popular fitness program consisting of short dance and aerobic exercise routines performed to Latin-American music will be demonstrated at this year’s Multicultural Festival.  Individuals of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to come out and try one of these fun routines throughout the day!!

Volunteer Information

Are you interested in volunteering?  We have a great opportunity for anyone who needs community service hours or just want to help out a great event. Do you want to assist with the entertainment or help out with the activity booths?  We are actively seeking volunteers to assist with this great community event. 

Sign up today by clicking on this ICON and filling out the form in minutes!

Event History

In 1995, the Friends of the Chandler Public Library established the Chandler Multicultural Festival to bring the community together for a fun-filled day of art, music, and dance while also learning a little more about the rich cultural diversity that exists in our community. The festival has grown into a signature event for the City and offers a quality arts experience in the comfortable setting of the downtown Chandler Public Library!  

The Multicultural Festival is a part of the Celebration of Unity annual events held each January to honor our community's heritage and diversity, along with the spirit and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights movement. 

Visit the Celebration of Unity web page for more information on our 2013 event!

Chandler Special Events Hotline: 480-782-2735